If a bill introduced in the Mississippi Legislature makes its way to the Governor’s desk, turkey hunters may see yet another change in regulations.
House Bill 1298 was introduced by Rep. Bill Kinkade, R-Byhalia , chairman of the the House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee. It calls for the creation of a turkey stamp, similar to a federal waterfowl stamp, that would come at a cost of $10 for resident turkey hunters and $100 for non-residents.
“I realize the demand on our turkeys is so great,” Kinkade said. “Our wildlife is plentiful and it’s sought-after. I started asking myself, being an avid turkey hunter, how many turkey hunters are in the state and nobody could answer that.”
Legislative bill helps turkey management in Mississippi and conservation funding
Without knowing how many turkey hunters are in the state, Kinkade said it’s difficult for biologists to make management decisions. Kinkade said the bill will not only answer that question, it will provide a dedicated funding source for turkey conservation, developing a long-term management plan and provide revenue to get matching grant funds for turkey conservation.